Human Rights Campaign endorses Christine Quinn in New York

The national gay rights group Human Rights Campaign is wading into the New York City mayoral primary, backing openly gay City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in an endorsement that notes the support for gay marriage from her political ally, Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

The endorsement, while not surprising, is early and significant for Quinn, helping to nationalize a local competition and augment her efforts to cement her current poll position as the frontrunner in the four-way primary.

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“New York needs Christine Quinn because she approaches every issue she cares about with passion and drive,” said HRC President Chad Griffin in a statement. “Whether it’s equality for all New Yorkers, great public schools or twenty-first century infrastructure, Chris is ready to fight for the city New Yorkers deserve.”

Quinn, who was married to her partner last year after New York state passed a gay marriage law, is vying to become both the first woman and first openly gay mayor of one of the most liberal cities in the country. She is being challenged by New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, and former City Comptroller and 2009 Democratic nominee Bill Thompson. Current City Comptroller John Liu is also expected to run, despite investigations into some of his fundraising practices that have not directly ensnared him.

The HRC endorsement is also key because it could mean more boots on the ground, and extra advertising dollars, in the race.

Quinn has largely crafted her image as the natural political successor to the Bloomberg agenda. Bloomberg was among the key supporters of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to pass gay marriage in 2011, and helped fund pro-gay marriage ballot measures last year in other states.